8:30—10:15

Room 1: Psychoanalytic approaches to mourning in couples (Sponsored by the IPA Couple and Family Psychoanalysis Committee [COFAP] and the APAS Couple and Family Psychoanalysis Interest Group)

Ms Mary Morgan (via Zoom), Dr Ken Israelstam, Dr Timothy Keogh
Chair Ms Roslyn Glickfeld

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In this workshop invited international guest speaker Mary Morgan (British Society) will present a paper focusing on the relevance of mourning in couples therapy which will be followed by a discussant paper from Ken Israelstam. As this workshop is a part of the 50th APAS Anniversary conference Timothy Keogh will also provide an outline of the history of couples and family psychoanalysis in the Asia-Pacific region. A large group discussion will provide a space to workshop all the material presented.

9:00—10:15

Room 2: Crisis and Responders Outreach (CARO)

Ms Charlie Stansfield, Ms Gloria Blanco, Dr Richard Price
Chair Dr Vivienne Elton

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The psychoanalytic community in Australia is recognizing the importance of addressing social crises such as the displacement of refugees. This paper explores the role of psychoanalysis in creating a safe space for people who have experienced trauma, including those affected by political persecution, wars or terrorist attack. Psychoanalysts and trained analysts are well-equipped to provide support and understanding for those in need. Through case examples, the presenters highlight the ways in which psychoanalysis can be used to respond to crises, outbreak and provide ethical care.

10:15—10:45

Morning tea

10:45—12:30

Room 1: Child & Adolescent Workshop

Adolescence: a journey into the unknown – An exploration of a young adolescent whose disruption in puberty impacted the course of her analysis

(In-room only - limited to 25 - 30 pax)

Ms Pamela Shein
Chair Ms Charlie Stansfield

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A clinical case is used as a starting point for an exploration of a young girl in the throes of an upheaval who presents the kinds of difficulties where the Child Analyst finds herself navigating fluctuating mental states. The analysis I want to discuss is marked by features which help us question our ability to understand the way the most primitive relationships manifest themselves in any particular analysis.

In this analysis the particular countertransference reactions and enactments that developed became my most important guide to understanding this adolescent’s painful situation.

Room 2: Encounter With The Other

(In-room only)

Dr Craig San Roque

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In a series organised under the banner of Two Way (2021), Mishel McMahon, a Yorta Yorta woman from rural Victoria, encouraged people attending to start with themselves. This seems an apt place to begin. How does the encounter between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians affect us? The Two-Way Committee is offering a reflective space for participants to consider these relationships. The focus of the group will be on the impact these encounters have on us. The group will be facilitated by Dr. Craig San Roque and is open to anyone interested in this discussion.

Room 3: ‘Memories in feelings’ and the Symbolising Function in Child Analysis

(In-room & online)

Dr Louise Gyler

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Children needing psychodynamic therapy often present in disorganised ways without any coherent narrative of their anxieties and dilemmas. Their vulnerabilities are expressed in action and as ‘memories in feelings’. In this presentation, a child’s idiosyncratic expression of ‘working through’ their internal void is described, demonstrating a transformation from action to thought. This clinical account helps to elucidate questions about the nature of the symbolising process in child work.

12:30—12:45

Closing

Ms Sonia Wechsler & Dr Louise Gyler